Exploring the romantic, beautifully preserved town of Luang Prabang with your expert local guide
River views,
Infinity pool,
Peaceful setting
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Our Classic Laos Holidays bring you the highlights of this unique and beautiful country, allowing you to get a feel for the culture, interact with the people and sample the food. From the UNESCO charms of Luang Prabang to the French-colonial beauty of Vientiane and the laid-back wonder of the 4000 Islands, this is Laos at its most graceful, guided, and grounded.
Laos
Kuang Sii Waterfalls
Enjoy a private breakfast at Kuang Sii Waterfalls before the crowds arrive.
Nam Ou River
Cruise the Nam Ou River, stopping at remote villages and caves.
Lovely Luang Prabang
Explore Luang Prabang’s temples, markets and charming backstreets.
Laos
Explore Northern Laos with hill-tribe treks, river journeys, and Luang Prabang’s UNESCO charm on this 14-day adventure.
Local life
Chance encounters with local villagers while trekking in the mountains
Nam Ou River
Take in the remarkable scenery as you journey down the Nam Ou River aboard your private boat
Luang Prabang
Exploring the romantic, beautifully preserved town of Luang Prabang with your expert local guide
Laos is best experienced during the cool dry season from November to April, when the skies are clear and the rivers are navigable—ideal for boat journeys, gentle hikes and cultural discovery.
October and early May are great shoulder months with fewer travellers and lush surroundings, while the green season (June to September) sees dramatic landscapes, misty mountains and quieter temples—perfect for those who don’t mind occasional tropical showers in exchange for richer scenery.
We’ll help choose the right timing based on your route and preferences.
From converted tea bungalows to breezy beach villas, our favourite hotels combine comfort with character. We handpick places that reflect the soul of Sri Lanka, where service is warm, the food is exceptional, and the setting unforgettable.
Pakse, Laos
Set on Dong Daeng Island in the Mekong, La Folie Lodge offers riverside charm, easy access to Wat Phou and a peaceful base for exploring southern Laos.
Highlights
Scenic riverside setting,
Bikes for local discovery,
Close to Wat Phou
Best for
Couples,
Families
Vientiane, Laos
A bold boutique hotel in Vientiane, Lao Poet offers rooftop views, retro charm and a central base for exploring the capital of Laos in style.
Highlights
Rooftop infinity pool,
Retro-chic Indochina style,
Walkable city location
Best for
Couples,
Families
Luang Prabang, Laos,
A stylish and well-located base near Luang Prabang, Le Sen offers modern comfort, free bikes, a pool and great value for couples, families and solo travellers.
Highlights
Close to Luang Prabang
Stylish rooms
Best for
Couples,
Families
Nong Khiaw, Laos
Mandala Ou in Nong Khiaw, Laos, offers riverside charm, traditional rooms and a relaxed base to explore the landscapes of Northern Laos.
Highlights
Best for
Couples,
Families
Laos lends itself to slow, immersive travel. You might rise early in Luang Prabang for the morning alms-giving ceremony, take a longboat down the Mekong to a riverside village, or join a local cooking class in Vientiane. Explore sacred caves, visit textile co-operatives, and sip sunset drinks in quiet colonial courtyards. Whether you’re wandering barefoot through a rural temple or floating through the 4000 Islands, Laos reveals its soul slowly. And we’ll help you catch every moment.
Vientiane, Laos
Join your local guide for a tuk-tuk tour of Vientiane. Begin with a visit to a Mak Beng shop. A traditional temple offering, ‘mak beng’ is the name given to a colourful creation that combines banana leaves and marigold flowers. You’ll have an opportunity to learn how to make one of these offerings, as well as ‘pasaat peung’, which is made with palm leaves and yellow wax, before then visiting Wat Simaung. Built in the 16th century, this temple is one of the city’s most popular places of worship, offering a fascinating insight into Vientiane’s rich traditions of ancient animistic ritual and Theravada Buddhism. Your guide will explain the temple’s history and its importance to the local people before you can to present your own handmade offerings.
Luang Prabang, Laos
One of Laos’ most popular past times and sports, you’re likely to see many locals playing a friendly game of Petanque (Boules) as you wander the streets. Experience this evening activity for yourself as you battle it out on the green with locals. The team who rolls their balls closest to the stationary ‘jack’ will come out on top! Battle weary, you will end the night with a lovely local-style dinner before heading back to your hotel.
Luang Prabang, Laos
Visit some of Laos’s timeless monuments on a full day tour around the old city, now under UNESCO protection as a World Heritage Site. At about 8.30am head off with your guide to visit Wat Xieng Thong – often said to be Luang Prabang’s most beautiful. It is characterised by roofs sweeping low to the ground and the impressive “tree of life” mosaic. Next visit Vat Visoun, the site of an impressive stupa, That Makmo. Then walk to the nearby Vat Aham, which is one of the city’s major tutelary shrines.
After lunch at a local restaurant visit Luang Prabang’s National Museum, formerly the Royal Palace (not open on Tuesdays). Displayed inside is a collection of personal artifacts of the former Laotian Royal Family. Continue on to visit nearby Wat Mai – the five-tiered roof epitomises the graceful Luang Prabang architectural style. There is also time to take a stroll through the Hmong Market where locals and ethnic minorities from the surrounding villages sell an overwhelming array of handicrafts. Phou Sii hill stands right in the centre of this small city. Climb its 350 steps to enjoy commanding views for many miles in each direction. Wat Phu Sii sits atop the mountain, alongside the skeletons of Indochina war anti-aircraft guns! Sunset can be enjoyed with a cold drink at one of the cafes located along the Mekong River.
Luang Prabang, Laos
After a stroll through the morning markets, you’ll head out to the remarkable Kuang Si falls to enjoy a gourmet picnic breakfast in a peaceful and tranquil setting before most other tourists visit the area. Journey back to Luang Prabang on a private cruise down the Mekong, with an opportunity to visit the famous pottery village of Ban Ou.
You’ll see Laos’ best-known sights, but with thoughtful pacing, authentic experiences, and hotels with real charm.
No. All ETG holidays are bespoke and private. You’ll travel at your own pace, with your own expert guide.
Yes. Laos pairs beautifully with Vietnam, Cambodia or Thailand. We’ll build a seamless itinerary that flows naturally.
Absolutely. It’s welcoming, safe, and gentle, with fewer crowds and a slower pace than its neighbours.
Intrigued? The Curious Traveller’s Guide to Laos is our experts’ edit of hotels, experiences and holiday tips. Get your complimentary copy today.
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